Chemical Analysis of Air Samples – Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde

Health Canada (HC) has a requirement to establish a Contract with a supplier to provide chemical analysis of aldehydes (formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) collected using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) passive badges. Scientists in the Water and Air Quality Bureau (WAQB) have played a leading role in understanding the health effects of indoor air pollution, and of aldehydes specifically, on human health in Canada. Studies completed to date have examined the concentrations and sources of aldehydes in the residential environment in cities across Canada, as well as temporal changes over time in new homes. This research has supported the development of Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (RIAGs) for aldehydes as well as regulatory actions, such as the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations. Moving forward, it is anticipated that Health Canada will undertake approximately one to two indoor air quality research studies per year with each study requiring up to 100 aldehyde samples annually. The establishment of a contract will facilitate analysis of aldehydes samples collected through research.